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Oilers sign Finnish prospect to entry-level contract

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Colton Pankiw
April 30, 2020  (2:53 PM)
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The Edmonton Oilers have signed Finnish prospect Markus Niemelainen to a two-year, entry-level contract. The six-foot-five defenceman was selected by the Oilers in the third round (63rd) of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

Niemelainen, 21, has spent the last three seasons playing in the SM-liiga in Finland. This season he played in 55 games, posting one goal and six assists along with 42 penalty minutes. In 147 career games in the SM-liiga, he has put up three goals and 15 points. He certainly isn't known for his offense, but brings a big physical presence on the back end.

Prior to playing in the SM-liiga, Niemelainen played in the OHL for the Saginaw Spirit. He was selected by the Oilers after his rookie season with the Spirit that saw him put up 27 points in 65 regular season games.

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